Holiday parades in Delaware, Philly, Maryland & more to warm hearts this season
It's almost time to bust out the mittens, long coat and hot chocolate in preparation for chill holiday parades in Delaware and the surrounding states.
No matter where you live in the First State, we've rounded up parades in all three counties that you can check out.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
There's a massive balloon character for everyone to enjoy at the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This includes pop-culture icons like Luffy ("One Piece"), Goku ("Dragon Ball Z"), Pikachu and Eevee ("Pokèmon"), The Pillsbury Doughboy and even Stuart the Minion ("Despicable Me"). The parade also features appearances from entertainers such as Cher, Brandy, Chicago, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Jon Batiste, En Vogue and more.
The Macy's Parade will draw millions of people tuning in from home and in-person in New York City.
The parade route begins at 8:30 a.m. EST on West 77th St. & Central Park West. (There's no public viewing here.). Early birds arrive starting at 6 a.m. on the west side of Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets. The parade turns onto Central Park South and heads to 6th Avenue. Parade fans will enjoy nice views from West 59th Street to West 38th Streets. The route ends in front of Macy's Herald Square.
For folks attending the parade, there's no public viewing access on 6th Avenue from West 34th to West 38th Streets & on West 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue. Guests are also restricted from public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th & West 60th Streets, and on the south side of West 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue, according to the parade's website.
Parade lovers can watch the telecast on NBC, or stream it live on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones on Thursday, Nov. 23. If you miss it, NBC will re-air an encore telecast at 2 p.m. EST., according to Today.com. For more info, visit macys.com.
6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade
The City of Brotherly Shove will celebrate the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country, which turns 104.
The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is back with festive floats, balloons, marching bands and special performances. This event includes appearances from Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, plus the Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Mailata, The Commodores, the cast of "Dancing with the Stars," Micky Mouse, Minnie & Friends, and more.
People can watch the 6abc Thanksgiving parade preshow, which starts at 8:30 a.m. The parade is from 9 a.m. to noon on 6abc.
The parade route starts at 20th and JFK Boulevard, turning left on 16th Street to Ben Franklin Parkway. The route turns left on the Parkway to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
20th and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia at 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 23. Visit 6abc.com.
Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
The jolly man in a big red suit will have all eyes on him at Delaware's largest holiday stroll: the 59th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade. The parade route starts at 2nd and Market Street, and then travels north on Market past the review stand at 10th and Market. The route ends at 11th and Market.
Your kids can bring their letters to Santa at the event. Letters need a return address so Santa can write the children back.
Second and Market Street, Wilmington, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Visit wilmingtonjaycees.org.
Selbyville Christmas Parade
There are festive floats, food, Old Saint Nick, a 50/50 raffle and more fun at the 62nd annual Selbyville Christmas Parade. Tickets for the raffle are purchased at Town Hall. The cost is $1 each or six for $5. The raffle drawing is the same day as the parade and participants don't need to be present to win. The parade begins at Railroad Avenue and W. Church Street. The route will head east on West Church and end at West Church and Main streets.
Near West Church Street, Selbyville, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Visit selbyville.delaware.gov or (302) 436-8314.
Harrington Christmas Parade
Kris Kringle is making his rounds through Kent County to the Harrigton Christmas Parade where he'll be cruising along East Liberty Street, deciding if your kids have been naughty or nice.
East Liberty St., Harrington, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Visit Facebook.com/HarringtonParksandRecreation or (302) 398-7975.
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Warm festive vibes will heat up the 40th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade. The parade has an extended route from Old Landing Road north to 120th Street. After the parade, folks are encouraged to hang out at the Carousel for family-friendly fun and the awards presentation.
120th Street, Ocean City, Maryland, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit ococean.com or (410) 289-2800.
Lewes Christmas Parade
This coastal town will officially dive into the holiday spirit at the 91st Lewes Christmas Parade. This year's theme is “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes." Prizes will be awarded in various categories.
The parade lineup is next to Lewes Elementary School. The route goes to Savannah Road and turns left onto 2nd Street and ends around Market Street.
Prize categories include Marching Group, Band, Clown, Equestrian, Decorated Classic Car (vintage 1967 or older), Decorated Vehicle (after 1967 or more recent), Fire Company, Commercial Float, Community Organization Float and Youth Organization Float, and more.
After the parade, guests can hang out with Mayor Andrew Williams as he blesses the Christmas tree lighting in Zwaanendael Park, followed by caroling in the park led by Christy Taylor with her music students.
Near Lewes Elementary School (820 Savannah Road, Lewes) from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit leweschamber.com or (302) 645-8073.
Claymont Christmas Parade
It's a tradition for the annual Claymont Christmas Parade to launch on the first Saturday of December. The parade route travels along Philadelphia Pike from Maple Lane Elementary to Darley Road.
Maple Lane Elementary School (100 Maple Road, Claymont) from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit claymontchristmasparade.com.
Seaford Christmas Parade
Climb aboard an emotional Polar Express ride to embrace "The Magic of Christmas" at the Seaford Christmas Parade. You can experience this new theme at the event where the parade step-off begins at Pennsylvania Avenue. The route goes to Nylon Boulevard and High Street, and it turns left on Market Street, across Stein Highway, near Seaford Middle School.
Pennsylvania Avenue, Seaford, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Visit seafordde.com or (302) 629-9307.
Clayton Christmas Parade
Clayton wants to jingle itself into a very merry day that begins with breakfast with Santa (a ticketed event hosted by Clayton Fire Department; reservations required) from 8-11 a.m.
There are also outdoor vendors from 2-6 p.m. For more details, visit claytonhistoricalsociety.org.
The annual Clayton Christmas Parade and tree lighting is in the evening. The parade begins at 5 p.m. Lineup starts at Clayton Elementary School at 4 p.m. The route goes to Main Street and passes Claymont Fire Department, before ending near the business Eagle Group (located at 100 Industrial Blvd.). After the parade is the tree lighting ceremony.
Clayton Elementary School (510 Main St., Clayton) at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Visit claytonhistoricalsociety.org or (302) 670-0064.
Rehoboth Christmas Parade
Winter enchantment will warm up folks along Rehoboth Avenue during the Hometown Christmas Parade.
Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, from 6-9:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4. Visit cityofrehoboth.com or (302) 227-6181.
Milton Christmas Parade
Bring your own chair, a blanket, and friends for the Milton Christmas Parade. The parade begins on Atlantic and Union Streets, then it travels to Federal and Mulberry Streets.
Downtown Union Street, Milton at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.
Georgetown Christmas Parade
You and the little ones can soak up holiday bliss at the Georgetown Christmas Parade & Caroling on the Circle. Caroling begins at 6 p.m., followed by the parade that strolls along The Circle at 7 p.m. Pack the Pod Food Drive will be on-site to receive donated items this festive evening.
The Circle, Georgetown at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Visit georgetowndel.com (302) 856-7391.
Bridgeville Christmas Parade
The theme for this year's Bridgeville parade is "And a partridge in a pear tree!" The rain date is Dec. 10. The parade lineup is on Railroad Ave. The route turns right on Market Street, then right on Main Street, and ends at Bridgeville Public Library near Jacobs Ave and S. Cannon Street.
Market Street, Bridgeville, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit bridgeville.delaware.gov or (302) 337-7135.
Camden-Wyoming Christmas Parade
Bundle up for this annual parade that begins at Caesar Rodney High School on North Road. The parade route turns right onto Main Street and continues until the light and turns right onto Camden Wyoming Avenue. The route ends at the railroad tracks in Wyoming. Santa will be at Wyoming Town Hall immediately after the parade.
Caesar Rodney High School (239 Old N. Road, Camden) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit Facebook.com/TownofWyomingDe.
Dagsboro Christmas Parade
Think again if you thought Sussex County was tapped out on holiday parades. Dagsboro's 10th annual Christmas parade will line up on Main Street near the back of Indian River High School. The parade route continues down Main Street and turns left onto Clayton Street, ending at the new Dagsboro Fire Hall.
Indian River High School (29772 Armory Road, Dagsboro) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Visit dagsboro.delaware.gov or (302) 732-3777.
Felton Christmas Parade
This holiday season marks Felton's second Christmas parade. The route starts on Burnite Mill Road and leads to Main Street, making a left on East Street. The parade ends at Lake Forest North Elementary's back parking lot.
Burnite Mill Road, Felton, at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15. Visit Facebook.com/FeltonDE or (302) 284-9365.
Dover Christmas Parade
The Capital City will brave the cold for the heartwarming event "Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade." The parade lineup begins at Martin Luther King Boulevard. The route travels to Loockerman and then Queen Street.
Loockerman Street, Dover, from 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Visit facebook.com/dashingthroughdover or (302) 736-7005.
Mummers Parade
One of the most visual festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region is the flamboyant Mummers Parade in Philly. The event draws comparisons to Mardi Gras, and it typically rings in the New Year with 10,000 adults and kids in whimsical costumes, according to Visit Philadelphia. The parade starts at 9 a.m. at City Hall. The route heads south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue.
South Broad Street, Philadelphia, at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Visit visitphilly.com.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Christmas parades that will light up the holiday season
